I'm looking at buying my first AR platform. I primarily want it for target shooting, varmints and as a possible duty gun when I get on as a Reserve LEO. I want to stay away from DPMS and Bushmaster as some of the reviews I read haven't been too favorable. My price point is $1,000. I've read some good things about Stag and Rock River or would I be better off doing a build? Any advice would be helpful as this would be my only AR purchase.
In that price range I'd stick with Stag or S&W. If you could save a few hundred more you could get a Colt and with $500-700 hundred more, you could get a REALLY nice Daniel Defense or Bravo Company. I would stay away from Bushmaster.
Just be aware that the base model doesn't have a dust cover or forward assist. I personally like the OR model, as it has both, plus it has a chromed barrel!
If there is a Dick's Sporting Goods in your area, they carry the Smith and Wesson M&PT for $1099 and seem to be the only folks that actually have it in stock.
Thanks for all the information. I think this is the setup I might go with from PSA for $799.99. Now I just need to find an FFL that will do a transfer.
PSA PA-15 QMS Tac Pack,
16" barrel length
5.56 Nato Chamber
1 in 7" twist
Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel
Chrome lined barrel
Forged upper and lower
ALG QMS Trigger
Magpul rear BUS
3 Magazine
Lock
PSA Tactical Case
Whenever you set a low budget dollar amount for a rifle, double it. Accessories will kill ya.
RDS, Mags, Ammo, Light, Sling. Never, ever think that you can go spend $1k and be ready to go shooting. You get 1-3 mags, no ammo, maybe iron sights, no sling, no light, no optic.
Of all that were listed for an entry level rifle, the PSA Patrol is your best bang for the buck. Quality rifle + $400 optic. Another $300 for mags, sling and ammo to get you by for a range trip or two. Then save up your money for a few months and take a class or two (Appleseed and/or entry carbine course) and learn how to operate your rifle efficiently.
CORE15. Made in Ocala, FL. They start with MIL-SPEC. Their basic M4 in .223 is about $899. Chrome lined chamber, forward assist, dust cover, flat top receiver. Not bad. Check them out. The company was started by the same guy that started Bushmaster.
CORE15. Made in Ocala, FL. They start with MIL-SPEC. Their basic M4 in .223 is about $899. Chrome lined chamber, forward assist, dust cover, flat top receiver. Not bad. Check them out. The company was started by the same guy that started Bushmaster.
Just a thought, but if you plan on using this rifle for your Reserve LEO application, ensure that the department allows the use of the rifle you are planning on purchasing. A lot of departments have a basic must-meet requirement as far as what company makes the rifle to what you can and cannot have on it (accessories). Good Luck!
Thanks for all the information and advice. I know accessories will be a killer and the wife is already trying to figure out what to get me for christmas, I told her when I get my rifle that I would give her a list of goodies I would like.
Like some of the others have stated go with a Colt, Bravo Company (BCM) or DD. They are not much more than the hobby grade rifles like Bushmaster, Windham, etc. If you want a good site to research ARs go to M4Carbine.net, stay away from arfcom.
I had a dpms before and it was decent but ultimatley i didnt like it. I sold it and bought some differrnt guns but now am building my own. I got a swm&p stripped lower and am undecided on the rest. My cousin is in lawenforcement and recommended bravo company. Their uppers are
pricey but worth it. Daniel Defense is great if you want to spend the money. Knights Armament is also expensive but good quality. I am buildong mime for target and defensive purposes only. I just want max accuracy at like 300 meters. Im not an expert with ar's though and I am sure you can get more of an expert opinion than mine on the boards here.
BCM is not all that pricy, but worth twice what you spend.
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